Get Lit Festival now though Sunday

EWU's Get Lit Festival is this week through Sunday, April 23 celebrating a love of literature. There's something for everyone - poetry and book readings, workshops, performances. It's in different venues around the region including the Bing Crosby Theater, Auntie's Bookstore, NyNe Bar and Bistro, and more. Go to getlitfestival.org for all the details.

The 50 Hour Slam is May 6

The 50 Hour Slam is a time-based filmmaking competition & Festival coming up Saturday, May 6 at 6pm at the Bing Crosby Theater. It celebrates the Arts and the Spokane Coeur d'Alene Filmmaking community. Along with highlighting the finalist films, there will also be live music, photography, a special performing arts program, and the opportunity for you to vote for the best film of the 2017 Slam line-up. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Go to 50hourslam.com for all the details.

Spokane Symphony Classics concert this weekend

The Spokane Symphony, conducted by Music Director Eckart Preu, will perform a pair of romantic works by Chopin and Brahms on Saturday, April 22 at 8pm and Sunday, April 23 at 3pm at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Internationally acclaimed pianist Claire Huangci will make her first appearance with the Symphony performing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1. It is paired with Brahms' monumental First Symphony. The program also includes American composer John Corigliano's neo-classical Elegy. Both performances include a talk one hour before curtain time that is free to all ticket holders.

Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling 509-624-1200. They are also available online and at all TicketsWest outlets at www.ticketswest.com or 800-325-SEAT.

Tulipfest and music this week at Arbor Crest

This Friday and Saturday the Fireside Music series continues at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars at 4705 N Fruit Hill Rd in Spokane Valley. This Friday, April 21, Karrie O'Neill will perform acoustic pop/folk. On Saturday, April 22, Bridget and Michael Lewis from One Street Over will play their blend of jazz, rock, blues and more. Music runs from 5-8pm, no cover. Wine, beer and food available for purchase.

Tulipfest continues through the end of the month, so stop by to view thousands of tulips, daffodils and other Spring bulbs coming into bloom at the Cliff House Estate. Viewing hours are noon-5pm, Sunday-Thursday and noon-8pm on Friday & Saturday. Visit arborcrest.com for more information.

Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of the Cursed Gem at the MAC

Sunday, April 30 from 2-3:30pm, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 West First in Browne's Addition, will present a fascinating lecture by Dr. Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian Institution's Acting Provost/Under Secretary for Museums and Research. He has spent more than a decade on the trail of the legendary Hope Diamond. But the 'curse' that surrounds the Hope Diamond, which Kurin puts to rest once and for all, is only one small piece of a long and illustrious story that moves between ancient religion and modern magic, royal power and class rivalry, revenge and greed.

Since its discovery in seventeenth-century India, the Hope Diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. During his talk, Kurin will discuss the impact the diamond has had across different cultures and societies throughout history by going beyond speculation to reveal the truth behind this legendary stone.
Cost is $9, suggested donation. Limit: 180, first-come, first-served. Go to northwestmuseum.org for more information.

Custer's Antique & Collectors Sale Friday through Sunday

It's time for Custer's Annual Antique and Collectors Sale, this Friday through Sunday, April 21-23 at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center. This year's show features over 150 dealers from across the west coast. Everything from rate to retro, including Mid-Century, Industrial, Rustic, Estate and Costume Jewelry, Vintage Clothing, Kitchenware, Folk Art, Glassware, Silver and more.

Admission is $6 for adults, good all weekend; Kids 12 and under, free. Hours: Friday 4-9pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; and Sunday 10am-4pm. For more information, visit CusterShows.com.

Chippendales at Northern Quest April 28

There's a heat wave coming to Northern Quest Friday, April 28 at 7pm. The perfect show for bachelorette parties or girls night out. It's the Chippendales. Go to northernquest.com for more information and tickets.

The Taming of the Shrew opens at the Civic April 28

The Taming of the Shrew, the much loved comedy by William Shakespeare will begin performances on Friday, April 28 at the Spokane Civic Theater.

The play tells the story of Bianca, who despite having many admirers, is forbidden by her father to marry until her shrewish sister, Katharina, is engaged. Enter Petruchio, a man challenged by Bianca's suitors to tame Katharina.

The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted numerous times for stage, screen, opera, ballet, and musical theatre. One of the most famous adaptations is Cole Porter's 'Kiss Me, Kate' and the 1967 film of the play, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Entertainment Spokane! is an Ed Clark production.

For over 35 years Ed Clark has served the needs of Spokane area hospitality, restaurants and entertainment businesses in reaching greater audiences. Since 2002, Ed has delivered the Spokane “How’s Business?” e-mail newsletter that reaches nearly 6000 readers weekly.